Personal cooling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wearable personal cooling apparatus includes an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprises fabric proportioned and configured to closely envelop a human torso, a primary air plenum proximate the outer layer, an inner layer proximate the outer layer and in communication with the primary air plenum, wherein the inner layer is configured to distribute air from the primary air plenum throughout an inner surface of the inner layer, and a secondary air plenum arranged within the inner layer and in communication with the primary air plenum, wherein the secondary air plenum comprises a first end proximate the primary air plenum and a second end, and wherein the secondary air plenum is configured to direct air from the first end to the second end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention is directed to a personal coolingapparatus, and more particularly, example embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to a personal cooling vest configured to enhancesensible and latent heat transfer from a user wearing the vest.

Heat stress is a symptom of excessive heat exposure which may lead toloss of the ability to function effectively (e.g., disruption ofcognitive thought), to unconsciousness, and to critical or full bodyfailure. There are numerous occupations where an excessively hotenvironment or particularly strenuous task affects the ability forpersons to perform effectively. Military personnel in particular areaffected in hot environments due to additional clothing and personalprotection which are generally employed. Conventional systems forpersonal cooling involve complex liquid circulation systems whichtypically aim to exchange heat with a wearer through complex tubing.Other systems employ ice-packs or other pre-cooled means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a wearablepersonal cooling apparatus includes an outer layer, wherein the outerlayer comprises fabric proportioned and configured to envelop a humantorso, a primary air plenum proximate the outer layer, an inner layerproximate the outer layer and in communication with the primary airplenum. The inner layer is configured to distribute air from the primaryair plenum throughout an inner surface of the inner layer, and asecondary air plenum is arranged within the inner layer and incommunication with the primary air plenum. The secondary air plenumincludes a first end proximate the primary air plenum and a second end.The secondary air plenum is configured to direct air from the first endto the second end.

According to an additional example embodiment of the present invention,a wearable personal cooling apparatus includes an outer layer, whereinthe outer layer includes fabric proportioned and configured to envelop ahuman torso. The outer layer further includes a neck cutout proximate aneck portion of the human torso, wherein the outer layer furtherincludes first and second arm cutouts proximate first and second armportions of the human torso. The outer layer further includes a neckexit vent arranged within the neck cutout, and the outer layer furtherincludes first and second arm exit vents arranged within the first andsecond arm cutouts. The apparatus further includes a primary air plenumproximate the outer layer and arranged proximate a waist portion of thehuman torso, an inner layer proximate the outer layer and incommunication with the primary air plenum. The inner layer is configuredto distribute air from the primary air plenum throughout an innersurface of the inner layer. The inner surface of the inner layer isproximate an outer surface of the human torso, and a secondary airplenum is arranged within the inner layer and in communication with theprimary air plenum. The secondary air plenum includes a first endproximate the primary air plenum and a second end proximate a chest areaof the human torso, and the secondary air plenum is configured to directair from the first end to the second end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention are apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 5A depicts a cut-away of fabric forming a portion of a personalcooling vest, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B depicts a cut-away of fabric forming a portion of a personalcooling vest, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a primary air plenum of a personal cooling vest,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a fan apparatus for use with a personal cooling vest,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 9 depicts a personal cooling vest, according to an exampleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments of the present invention provide a personal coolingvest which greatly enhances the transfer of heat from a user toeffectively reduce the user's core temperature. In this manner, the userbenefits through increased ability to withstand hot environments.Further benefits include a more distributed pattern of pressureimpinging upon a user when wearing addition material, armor, backpacks,etc upon the vest. According to example embodiments, the personalcooling vest augments sensible and latent heat transfer for betterpersonal cooling. Sensible heat transfer occurs if supply air is belowthe user's skin surface temperature. Latent heat transfer occurs byevaporating perspiration from the user's body.

Turning to FIG. 1, the personal cooling vest 100 is designed to receiveambient air supplied by a fan, or to receive conditioned air supplied byan external cooling device through a supply opening near the waistline101. The ambient or conditioned air enters a primary plenum at thewaistline 101 and flows upwards across the torso. The primary plenumconsists of a number of vent holes distributing the air at an optimalvelocity. The air flow then enters a matrix material that surrounds thetorso. The air moves through two different mediums to cool the user. Thestretchable outer vest material 201 holds the matrix close to the usersbody so that the air may not channel, but rather be forced to travelthrough the intended plenums. Most of the air will travel up through thematrix, causing the air to be turbulent and direct it to the user's bodywith added turbulence. The resultant turbulent air flow increasessensible heat transfer from the body due to the higher coefficient ofthermal convection and introduces dry air to the user's body providinggreater latent heat transfer. The process air warms as it moves up auser's body resulting in an increase of its dew point. As the dew pointincreases, so does the air's potential water content. For example,increasing from 20° C. to 30° C. increases the potential water contentfrom 17.148 g/m³ to 30.078 g/m³ equivalent to a 75% increase in watercontent. This expanded capability allows the cooling apparatus to governitself. For example, even if the surrounding air is at 100% relativehumidity, or fully saturated with water, as it warms it is enabled toaccept vaporized perspiration from the user. The air exits past theuser's body at a neck portion 103 and under the user's arms at portions102, 104. This exit air is directed to increase the cooling area, thusfurther enhancing cooling. All of these components reside within thestretchable vest that holds the aforementioned matrix against the user'sbody, not allowing the air to channel to the exit without proper coolingflow.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternate configuration of the personal cooling vest100, according to an example embodiment. As depicted, waste heat isrecycled in a closed fashion. Thus, the closed system shares all of theabove components, further including a seal configured to prohibit airfrom leaving the vest at the underarm portions 102, 104. Although notillustrated in FIGS. 1-2, it should be appreciated that additionalsealing functionality may be provided by a waist-band draw-string orother means to prohibit leakage in the waist area of the vest 100. Theexit air is collected at the user's neck through portion 103 andrecycled through supporting cooling systems. Capturing this air allowssome cooling systems to achieve higher efficiency. Furthermore, the vestmay be worn beneath sealed garments configured to protect a user fromthe external environment, such as a HAZMAT suit. Thus, capturing andre-circulating this air facilitates cooling while limiting orprohibiting external air from entering the vest 100. Thus, the personalcooling vest 100 may provide enhanced cooling thereby allowing a user tosurvive hostile environments (e.g., nuclear-biological-contaminationareas) where completely closed systems should be employed.

As described above, example embodiments provide personal cooling vestswhich are configured to enhance both latent and sensible heat transferthrough use of a matrix configured to promote turbulent air flowproximate a user's skin/torso. It should be noted, however, that warmair, as well as ambient temperature air, may be circulated to providepersonal heating in some applications, for example, applications where auser is in a cold environment.

Hereinafter a more detailed description of the componentry andconstruction of the vest 100 is provided.

FIG. 3 depicts the personal cooling vest 100, according to an exampleembodiment. As illustrated, the vest 100 includes the primary air plenum204 arranged within a primary chamber 203. The primary chamber 203 maybe a sewn or bonded chamber comprised primarily of a flexible,stretchable outer vest material 201, proximate a matrix material 202.The vest 100 further includes exit vents 205, 206, 207 arranged withinthe underarm and neck portions.

Turning to FIG. 4, a view of the interior portion of the vest 100, whichwould be proximate a user's torso when wearing the vest, is provided. Asillustrated, the vest 100 includes first, second, and third secondaryair plenums 210, 211, 212 arranged within the matrix 202. For example,studies have shown that for a given core temperature, the back and chesthave higher sweating rates as compared to other portions of a user'storso. Therefore, the secondary air plenums 210-212 are configured todeliver air more readily to these portions of a user's body. Thus, theeffectiveness of the cooling/evaporative air flow is greatly enhanceddue impingement heat transfer, which generates high convectioncoefficients, because the bodies fluid boundary is disrupted by theperpendicular impinging jets The secondary air plenums 210, 211, and 212are fed air from the primary plenum 204. Each secondary air plenum 210,211, and 212 comprises a plurality of plenum-portions 505. The plenumportions 505 are configured to transmit air more readily than thesurrounding matrix 202. For example, the plenum portions 505 maycomprise fabric less dense than the surrounding matrix, tubes, tube-likepockets, or any suitable means to increase airflow relative to thesurrounding fabric of the matrix 202.

With regards to supply air, ports 208 and 209 are arranged on theprimary plenum 204, and configured to receive supply air from anexternal source.

With regards to maintaining air flow from the supply air throughout thematrix 202 to the exit vents 205, 206, and 207, flap 213 comprisingsealing zipper 214 arranged on the vest 100. The sealing zipper 214 maybe a zipper configured to limit and/or reduce the flow of airthere-through. Further, the flap 213 provides further closure/sealing toreduce the loss of internal air and promote internal circulation of theair. An alternate design may include a fully closed vest with expansionfolds, allowing the user to pull the garment over their head and avoidzipping.

Turning to FIGS. 5A-5B, the particular arrangement of layers within thevest 100 are illustrated. As shown the primary plenum 204 comprises aplurality of apertures 507 configured to distribute air supplied to theplenum 204 relatively evenly throughout the matrix 202. These apertures507 may be arranged equidistant or relatively equidistant. Further, thematrix 202 includes a plurality of layers configured to distribute thesupplied air to a torso of a user.

Generally, a first layer 502 is arranged to be proximate a user's skin.The layer 502 may comprise any fabric allowing air to flow and passthere-through. The first layer 502 is configured to disrupt localizedair-flow in such a manner that any laminar flow is converted to moreturbulent airflow. This turbulent flow is transmitted to the user suchthat localized turbulence is impingent on a user's torso. The secondaryair plenums' portions 505 are arranged within the matrix 202 proximatethe first layer 502. Air plenums' portions 505 are configured at asubstantially optimal distance from the users body to enhance impingmentheat transfer and user comfort. Finally, the outer, stretchable layer201 is arranged proximate the matrix 202. The layer 201 is arranged at awaistline 101 of the vest to surround the primary plenum 204, andaffixed to the matrix 202 within the interior of the vest 100.Furthermore, a waist-band and/or waist-tie 509 may further facilitatepositioning of the matrix 202 against a user's torso. As the layer 201is generally or substantially impermeable with regards to air, airsupplied from the primary plenum 204 is directed upwards through thematrix 202 and secondary plenums.

FIG. 6 depicts the primary air plenum 204 of the personal cooling vest100, according to an example embodiment. As shown the plenum 204 may betubular and may be arranged to wrap around a user's waist when arrangedwithin the vest 100. Upon vest closure, a first end 601 is configured tomate and/or seal with a second end 602. This may be facilitated throughinterlocking means, sliding means, or any other suitable means to securethe first end 601 to the second end 602 and maintain airflow therein. Ifthe apparel is designed as a pull over, this interlocking means may be asliding mechanism as well to enable donning the garment.

FIG. 7 depicts a fan apparatus for use with the personal cooling vest,according to an example embodiment. The fan apparatus 700 is configuredto provide airflow to the primary plenum 204 through ports 708-709. Thefan apparatus 700 includes a housing 701 defining a fan assembly 702 andthe ports 708-709. The fan apparatus 700 may further include heatexchangers 703 and thermo-electric modules 704. Thus, the fan apparatus700 may reduce of temperature of air entering the fan assembly 702before exiting the ports 708-709. Alternatively, the fan apparatus 700may supply ambient air without conditioning. In other alternatives,conditioned air may be provided to the primary plenum 204 from entirelyexternal means, for example, from an umbilical line or piping providingconditioned or heated air from a vehicle, air-conditioning/filtrationsystem, or any other suitable means.

To better understand the form-fitting nature of exemplary personalcooling vests, FIGS. 8-9 provide stylized views of the same. It is notedthat according to some example embodiments, an adjustment means 901, 902may be provided to reduce the proximity of the matrix 202 and a user'storso. The adjustment means 901, 902 may comprise pleats and/oradditional zippers. Furthermore, a drawstring, elastic band, orwaistline adjustment means 509 may be provided within or proximatechamber 203 to further enhance the form-fitting nature of the vest 100.Moreover, additional cushioning or positioning material 903 may bearranged within a lumbar or back portion of the vest 100 to position thematrix 202 proximate a user's skin to reduce uninterrupted air flow andfurther reduce process air channeling

Although particularly described above as encompassing a personal coolingvest, it is readily appreciated that the matrix and plenum combinationsdescribed above are applicable to any number of garments. For example,short trousers may be arranged with a turbulence matrix and plenum tofacilitate cooling/heating of lower extremities of a user. Furthermore,a cap or hood may be arranged with a turbulence matrix and plenum tofacilitate cooling/heating of a user's cranial areas. Moreover, anycombination of hood, vest, short trousers may be combined as a completepersonal cooling/heating temperature regulation system. In suchcombinations a primary plenum may be provided for each portion, or amain plenum may supply air for all portions, for example, through matingof respective turbulence matrices of each portion. Therefore, exampleembodiments should not be limited to personal cooling vests alone, butare extensible to any suitable personal garment.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A wearable personal cooling apparatus, comprising: an outer layer,wherein the outer layer comprises fabric proportioned and configured toclosely envelop a human torso; a primary air plenum proximate the outerlayer; an inner layer proximate the outer layer and in communicationwith the primary air plenum, wherein the inner layer is configured todistribute air from the primary air plenum throughout an inner surfaceof the inner layer; and a secondary air plenum arranged within the innerlayer and in communication with the primary air plenum, wherein thesecondary air plenum comprises a first end proximate the primary airplenum and a second end, and wherein the secondary air plenum isconfigured to direct air from the first end to the second end.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a zipper closure arranged onthe outer layer, wherein the zipper closure is configured to allowseparation and closure of the personal cooling apparatus.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the primary air plenum comprises at leastone inlet port configured to receive air exterior to the personalcooling apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the inlet portpenetrates the outer layer.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a fan apparatus proximate the at least one inlet port,wherein the fan apparatus is configured to force the air exterior to thepersonal cooling apparatus to flow through the primary air plenum. 6.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the primary air plenum furthercomprises a plurality of apertures arranged there-through, wherein theplurality of apertures are proximate the inner layer.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6, wherein the plurality of apertures are of a uniform size andof a uniform separation.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the innerlayer comprises a turbulence matrix.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the turbulence matrix is configured to disrupt laminar air flowand promote turbulent air flow.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe turbulence matrix comprises a plurality of individual fibersarranged in a matrix-like pattern.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a plenum chamber surrounding the primary air plenum andformed of the outer layer.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising an adjustment means arranged within the plenum chamber. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the adjustment means is a drawstringor elastic band.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising firstand second adjustment means, wherein the first and second adjustmentmeans are configured to reduce the proportions of the outer layer. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and second adjustment meansare zippered-pleats in the outer layer.
 16. A wearable personal coolingapparatus, comprising: an outer layer, wherein the outer layer comprisesfabric proportioned and configured to closely envelop a human torso,wherein the outer layer comprises a neck cutout proximate a neck portionof the human torso, wherein the outer layer further comprises first andsecond arm cutouts proximate first and second arm portions of the humantorso, wherein the outer layer further comprises a neck exit ventarranged within the neck cutout, and wherein the outer layer furthercomprises first and second arm exit vents arranged within the first andsecond arm cutouts; a primary air plenum proximate the outer layer andarranged proximate a waist portion of the human torso; an inner layerproximate the outer layer and in communication with the primary airplenum, wherein the inner layer is configured to distribute air from theprimary air plenum throughout an inner surface of the inner layer, andwherein the inner surface of the inner layer is proximate an outersurface of the human torso; and a secondary air plenum arranged withinthe inner layer and in communication with the primary air plenum,wherein the secondary air plenum comprises a first end proximate theprimary air plenum and a second end proximate a chest area of the humantorso, and wherein the secondary air plenum is configured to direct airfrom the first end to the second end.
 17. A wearable temperatureregulation apparatus, comprising: an outer layer, wherein the outerlayer comprises fabric proportioned and configured to envelop a portionof a user's body; a primary air plenum proximate the outer layer; aninner layer proximate the outer layer and in communication with theprimary air plenum, wherein the inner layer is configured to distributeair from the primary air plenum throughout an inner surface of the innerlayer; and a secondary air plenum arranged within the inner layer and incommunication with the primary air plenum, wherein the secondary airplenum comprises a first end proximate the primary air plenum and asecond end, and wherein the secondary air plenum is configured to directair from the first end to the second end.